OpenAI’s newly launched video app, Sora 2, rocketed to the top of Apple’s App Store charts shortly after its debut—despite sparking intense backlash over its use of copyrighted characters. The app, which allows users to generate short AI-driven video content from text prompts, faced criticism for deploying copyrighted intellectual property by default, unless rights holders actively opt out of inclusion.

Within hours of its rollout, users began sharing clips featuring popular franchises such as Nintendo’s Mario and Pokémon, Disney characters, SpongeBob, and scenes that riffed off films and TV shows. These creations included mashups where Pikachu appeared in dramatic settings or Mario interacted with live-action styles—amplifying concerns about IP misuse. The opt-out mechanism, which places the burden on rights holders to disallow usage, reversed traditional consent practices and drew sharp warning from entertainment studios.

In response, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company would introduce “more granular control” for rights holders—allowing them to specify how (or whether) their characters can appear. Altman also floated a revenue-sharing model for creators whose content remains in circulation. The company has committed to evolving the system based on feedback from stakeholders.

Critics argue the initial opt-out policy was an aggressive gambit to drive adoption by leveraging familiar content—essentially using copyrighted IP as a growth engine. Legal and creative communities have voiced concern, calling the default usage approach a potential infringement risk, especially given how realistic and viral the generated videos can be.

Still, the app’s chart success underscores strong consumer appetite for AI-enabled video creation tools. As Sora 2 enters broader distribution, its future—along with its handling of copyright concerns—will be watched closely. The coming weeks may determine if OpenAI’s approach can balance innovation with respect for creators’ rights.